Lethal Beauty

XXXIII - Following the Trail

A makeshift cross using two pieces of wood tied together thrust into the earth. It was a lonely sight but it would do. Jessen stood over the grave with a bunch of wildflowers in his hand. He knelt down and placed them atop before uttering a prayer.

He wasn't religious but Yuri was. She believed in the existence of a higher power and always knew that forgiveness could save even the darkest soul. He gazed down at the medallion that she left in his hand, the only thing left of her memory and recognition that she was once part of the Vampire Hunter Guild. Now that the ball was on Jessen's court, he must make his move. The first thing on his itinerary was to get that boy out of the academy.

Suddenly, he felt a vibration on his left breast that jolted him with shock. He never once got around technology but he was forced to use it through time albeit rarely. As in---rarely.

"What?"

There was a deep, heavy breath on the other end before Raviel's tone came from the receiver. "I assume this is a bad timing."

"You assume right. Can I hang up now?"

"Teacher..." it was Gavril this time, "We have a problem."

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"Murdered?"

"Yes, a few days ago." Professor Caine explained. He was the Dean of the Neurosciences Department as he introduced himself, but the two immortals had already known much about him before arriving. "Tragic event. She left behind a sister and their elderly mother. I thought I should hand you some of her paperwork, that's what you came here for, yes?"

Gavril put on the most pleasant smile he could manage. "Yes, thank you. Her family is well-known in this part of the town. Why is it not on the news?"

The professor glanced at him and pushed the rim of his glasses up to his nose. "Indeed. I should tell you, that when her body was found in the forest, people came in to take photos of it, but a group of high-ranking officers came in and confiscated every bit of information. In fact, this was the only time we could talk freely about it. Perhaps, because she was already laid to rest."

"High-ranking officers, huh?" Raviel looked at Gavril quickly before turning back to the professor. "We should probably pay a visit to her residence as one of her former colleagues. Do you happen to have her address then?"

"Certainly."

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"Their family seems pretty well-off," Raviel commented as they drove through a wide courtyard passing a tall, wrought-iron gate and slowing down in front of a huge old manor.

Gavril was still sifting through the paperwork left by the late doctor, but couldn't find anything significant that was connected to what they were looking for. "It's not here. She must've hidden it somewhere or they took it."

"We still have the sister to interrogate. Don't lose hope yet."

"It's the EHPU," Gavril heaved a sigh. "We should probably pay attention to that recent killing spree."

Raviel looked at him and stopped the engine when he spotted a valet coming towards them. "Whatever it is you're thinking, put it on hold. You know we cannot intervene with an ongoing investigation."

"I know, but...we can always infiltrate."

Before Raviel could argue the legitimacy of that statement, the valet welcomed them inside the manor. Continuing down the hallway, there was a center arch of decorative painted columns and molding with ornamental keystone designs. There was an imposing statue in the middle and on each side was a wide stairwell that led to the second floor. It was too extravagant and out of place that the two immortals shared a grin before rearranging their expressions as Yanna, Doctor Bernadette's sister came down to greet them.